It’s difficult to believe, but the 9th week of the session is already upon us and while we’ve made some excellent progress already this session, there is still a long list of commitments to fulfill. The legislature is scheduled to have “first adjournment” in less than a month, so activity in the next 3 to 4 weeks will be quite hectic as we tend to reach the more controversial subjects later in the session. It appears this year will be no exception and I anticipate a lively month.

This week’s major news was of course the nomination of Governor Sebelius as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Regardless of any political differences, this was a day for Kansas to take a bit of pride in being recognized in the national spotlight. For our purposes here in Topeka, I’m hopeful the promotion of our Lt. Governor and a fresh change will perhaps facilitate some progress on a few of our more important issues, which I’m certainly looking forward to.

The other item generating considerable buzz here at the Capitol this week was our passage of two laws dealing with late-term abortions. While any debate dealing with this issue draws interest as well as concern, the bills we passed dealt not so much with the right to have abortions, but rather the safety of those patients, and the information they are being provided with leading up to their decisions. I understand legislators may not ever completely agree on the matter—but the two measures clearing the house this week were overwhelmingly approved on the merits of their intent, which is simply to properly educate and protect the women making these horrendously difficult decisions.

I want to keep you updated on the continuing budget discussions this week by sharing the points that were brought to the legislature by a representative of the Council of State Governments. The presentation explained how the federal stimulus package will affect Kansas. In short, there is some helpful one-time, “no strings attached” funding, however there is also a host of details that I want to learn more about, as I’m concerned they may cost us more in the long run. As one colleague described to me—“It’s like getting a coupon book claiming you can save $3,000 using these coupons. But, you may go broke trying to spend enough to save that much!” I fear there is some truth in this analogy, so I’ll be watching this debate closely.

Committee work is continuing, but while some are furiously churning through last minute measures, others are already wrapping things up for the year.

Next week, we’ll begin to finish most of our committee work. Soon after, action will move almost exclusively to the house floor, where we will be debating and voting throughout the day—and sometimes into the night. It’s an exciting time of the year and as the weather continues to improve I hope to see you in the Capitol soon. I always enjoy visitors, but if you’re unable to make it to Topeka, please feel free to call or write with your concerns and I’ll be happy to assist.